The US wields the greatest security influence in Asia, while India ranks fourth behind China and Japan, according to the Asia Power Index.
Report
The annual report, released by the Australian think tank Lowy Institute, measures the capability of a country to exert power in Asia. The report explores 133 indicators across eight thematic measures of power.
“The Index seeks to measure the ability of countries to shape and respond to their external environment [and] influence the behaviour of other states, non-state actors, and the course of international events.”
Accordingly, the report scores 26 countries based on their performance across eight measures of power, including defence networks, diplomatic influence, military and economic capabilities, and resilience.
Findings
The US maintains an “enduring advantage as the most powerful country in Asia” and has “widened its lead slightly” over China for two years in a row. While the US’ defence networks and economic relationships in Asia remain “unsurpassed,” Washington lost to Beijing in diplomatic influence.
Referring to India as a “patchy power,” the report notes that despite making a few gains as an influencer, New Delhi has seen several setbacks in recent years.
Calling India an “underachiever,” the Index says that it “remains an uneven contributor to the regional balance of power and continues to underperform relative to its resources.”
China registered the “largest decline of comprehensive power” of any country in 2023. The main reason for the drop was due to China’s harsh measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, which “sharply curtailed” Beijing’s global and regional connectivity.
The Index found that while China “may never” topple the balance of power and replace the US, it still remains a “formidable opponent.”
Other Countries
Japan, ranked third, was the only other country above India. Meanwhile, Russia, Australia, and South Korea fill the fifth, sixth, and seventh spots, respectively.
Pakistan is placed in the fifteenth position, one place below Taiwan. The Asia Power Index further categorises all 26 countries into superpowers (US and China), middle powers (rank 3-17), and minor powers (18-26).